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Hey Elwood · 02-24-2009, 07:36 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of adding a 2nd flash gun to my kit which I will use as my main flash gun. I was looking at the 540 FGZ from Pentax but I've been hearing it's not a good flash to get. I've also been looking at Sigma and Metz flashes. Any recommendations? Don't want to spend over $350 but will take the best deal I can get.

Wheatfield · 02-24-2009, 08:11 AM

I came to the conclusion some time ago, about a wek after buying an AF540 FGZ, that I would have been better off buying a Vivitar 285, since I have to use the camera in manual mode and the flash in auto rather than TTL if I want accurate exposures.

**Ash** · 02-24-2009, 08:27 AM

If you can handle the consistent underexposure you get with the 540 FGZ, it's actually quite a decent flash. It does P-TTL reasonably well and is powerful enough for most bounce flash applications. Then there's the wireless capabilities - actually quite nifty.

Only have the Sigma 500 super to compare with - although the super also has multi-strobe, I still like the 540 FGZ more - better build quality and easier to bounce/swivel on demand.

SOldBear · 02-24-2009, 01:13 PM

Do you want/need all the fancy modes (high speed flash, P-TTL, wireless)?

If you do, get a Metz 58.

If not, try to find a used Nikon SB-24/25/26/28. They are powerful, well-built, and have auto mode.

I use my SB-24 more than I use my 540FGZ.

mattdm · 02-24-2009, 07:11 PM

Originally posted by Hey Elwood

I'm in the process of adding a 2nd flash gun to my kit which I will use as my main flash gun. I was looking at the 540 FGZ from Pentax but I've been hearing it's not a good flash to get. I've also been looking at Sigma and Metz flashes. Any recommendations? Don't want to spend over $350 but will take the best deal I can get.

What flash do you have already? What are your main feature priorities?

02-24-2009, 07:36 AM	#1
Hey Elwood Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Highland, MI Posts: 336	Which Flashgun to get Hi everyone, I'm in the process of adding a 2nd flash gun to my kit which I will use as my main flash gun. I was looking at the 540 FGZ from Pentax but I've been hearing it's not a good flash to get. I've also been looking at Sigma and Metz flashes. Any recommendations? Don't want to spend over $350 but will take the best deal I can get.

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02-24-2009, 08:11 AM	#2
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,991	I came to the conclusion some time ago, about a wek after buying an AF540 FGZ, that I would have been better off buying a Vivitar 285, since I have to use the camera in manual mode and the flash in auto rather than TTL if I want accurate exposures.

02-24-2009, 08:27 AM	#3
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	If you can handle the consistent underexposure you get with the 540 FGZ, it's actually quite a decent flash. It does P-TTL reasonably well and is powerful enough for most bounce flash applications. Then there's the wireless capabilities - actually quite nifty. Only have the Sigma 500 super to compare with - although the super also has multi-strobe, I still like the 540 FGZ more - better build quality and easier to bounce/swivel on demand.

02-24-2009, 01:13 PM	#4
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Do you want/need all the fancy modes (high speed flash, P-TTL, wireless)? If you do, get a Metz 58. If not, try to find a used Nikon SB-24/25/26/28. They are powerful, well-built, and have auto mode. I use my SB-24 more than I use my 540FGZ.

02-24-2009, 07:11 PM	#5
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by Hey Elwood I'm in the process of adding a 2nd flash gun to my kit which I will use as my main flash gun. I was looking at the 540 FGZ from Pentax but I've been hearing it's not a good flash to get. I've also been looking at Sigma and Metz flashes. Any recommendations? Don't want to spend over $350 but will take the best deal I can get. What flash do you have already? What are your main feature priorities?

Which Flashgun to get

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